Philippines Travel Warning

Attachment 6

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to the Sulu Archipelago and through the southern Sulu Sea, and to exercise extreme caution when traveling to the island of Mindanao, due to continued terrorist threats, insurgent activities, and kidnappings. This replaces the Travel Warning dated April 21, 2016.

Terrorist and insurgent groups based in the Sulu Archipelago continue to kidnap foreigners in the Eastern Sabah province of Malaysia and the southern Sulu Sea area. This area stretches from the southern tip of Palawan, along the coast of Sabah, Malaysia and the islands of the Sulu Archipelago, up to Zamboanga City, Mindanao.
Separatist and terrorist groups continue to carry out attacks and kidnappings against civilians, foreigners, political leaders, and Philippine security forces in Mindanao. Since January 2016, at least 13 separate kidnappings of foreigners have been reported across Mindanao. In western Mindanao, terrorist, insurgent, and criminal gangs regularly conduct kidnappings for ransom. In central Mindanao, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) remain active in the Cotabato City area, and in the Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat provinces, where the government maintains a state of emergency and a greater police presence.
In September 2016, a terrorist group conducted a bombing in Davao City, killing 15 and wounding 69 people. Following the attack, the Philippine government declared a "State of National Emergency on Account of Lawless Violence in Mindanao." There have been no reports of U.S. citizens in Mindanao targeted specifically for their nationality; however, general threats to U.S. citizens and other foreigners throughout Mindanao remain a concern.
U.S. government personnel are required to obtain special authorization from Embassy security officials before traveling to Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago.

Another U.S Embassy Notice.

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U.S. Embassy, Manila, Philippines

Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Embassy Closure on January 9, 2017

January 6, 2017

THE EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES IS TRANSMITTING THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AS A PUBLIC SERVICE TO U.S. CITIZENS IN THE PHILIPPINES. PLEASE DISSEMINATE THIS MESSAGE TO ALL U.S. CITIZENS IN YOUR ORGANIZATION OR NEIGHBORHOOD. THANK YOU.

The U.S. Embassy in Manila will close on Monday, January 9, 2017. The Manila City government has declared January 9 a local holiday with all city offices and schools closed.

This is due to the Procession of the Black Nazarene, one of the largest religious gatherings in the Philippines. On January 9, at 0700 hours, the procession will begin at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, and proceed to the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene (Quiapo Church), approximately 4.5 miles total distance. The procession is expected to last approximately 20 hours due to the immense crowds along the route. Crowds will start gathering in the Rizal Park area on Sunday, January 8.

The Philippines National Police have advised that road closures and massive pedestrian and vehicle traffic along Roxas Boulevard and adjacent major thoroughfares will make travel in the downtown Manila area difficult or impossible, as people assemble to participate in the event and during the event itself. The police have also warned that all cell phone coverage will be jammed in the vicinity of areas along the route of the procession, with expected cell phone disruptions throughout Metro Manila.

The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens of the importance of taking preventive measures to ensure their safety and security while traveling and residing in the Philippines and recommends exercising caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations. Remain aware of your surroundings and monitor local news stations for updates. The Department of State Worldwide Caution, dated September 9, 2016, indicates there is an ongoing threat of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests abroad, including the Philippines. Extremists have targeted sporting events, theaters, markets, mass transportation systems – including airlines, and other public venues where large crowds gather. Crowded nightclubs, shopping malls, buses, and popular restaurants have also been targets.

If you are a U.S. citizen in an emergency, you may contact the Embassy at +(63) (2) 301-2000 during the Embassy’s closure. The U.S. Embassy will reopen to the public on Tuesday, January 10, 2017.